Otolaryngology Fellowships
Approved Fellowships and Fellows’ Gallery
This page includes a list of the Otolaryngology Fellowship programmes which have been approved under the RCS Senior Clinical Fellowship Scheme and a gallery of recent otolaryngology fellows.
Applying to be a fellow
If you would like to be an RCS Senior Clinical Fellow, you will need to contact the supervisor/lead consultant of the fellowship programme you are interested in. Ask the supervisor/lead consultant if or when there is a vacancy for a fellow. They will tell you how to apply, if appropriate. Please go to the appropriate fellowship programme listed below for more information.
Fellows appointed to RCS Senior Clinical Fellowships will be expected to be ambassadors for RCS England and meet the requirements of the GMC’s Good Medical Practice.
- Head and Neck Fellowships
- Laryngology Fellowships
- Otolaryngology Oncology Fellowships
- Paediatric Otolaryngology Fellowships
- Rhinology Fellowships
- Thyroid & Parathyroid Fellowships
- Comments from recent Fellows
RCS Senior Clinical Fellowships in Otolaryngology
Head and Neck Fellowships
Imperial Advanced Head and Neck Fellowship, London
Based at: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London
Surgical Specialty Association approving: ENT UK
Approval period: Initially approved February 2014; reapproved October 2022 - September 2025
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: Mr Alasdair Mace, Consultant Otolaryngologist
Fellowship duration: 12 months
Stated learning outcomes:
- Competence in major head and neck resections.
- Competence in craniofacial approaches to anterior and lateral skull base disease.
- Competence in surgical endoscopy for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.
- Competence with laser surgery for laryngological/airway, and head and neck disease.
- Competence in local and distant pedicled flaps.
- Understanding of free flap reconstruction and post-operative management.
- Competence in training trainees in the operating theatre, ward and outpatient environments.
- Understanding and involvement in research.
- Understanding of non-surgical management of cancer, including chemoradiotherapy planning and delivery, and rehabilitation of voice and swallowing.
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
- Assessment of head and neck oncology patients.
- Assessment of benign and inflammatory head and neck disease.
- Ability to work in teams i.e. multidisciplinary partners.
- Communication skills with patients and colleagues.
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
- Diagnostic endoscopy - 20
- Salivary gland surgery - 15
- Thyroid surgery - 10
- Neck dissection - 10
- Embryological head and neck disorders eg branchial cysts/tracts/fistula - 5
- Laryngectomy +/- pharyngectomy - 10
- Major Oral cavity and oropharyngeal resections - 5
- Local and distant pedicled reconstruction - 5
- Craniofacial surgery approaches - 5
- Complex revision head and neck surgery - 2
- Lateral temporal bone resections - 2
- Microlaryngoscopy +/- Glottoplasty - 20
- Management of benign salivary diseases and exposure to sialendoscopy - 5
Fellows awarded Fellowship Certificate (dates of Fellowship):
- Jonathan Hughes (Apr 14 - Sept 14)
- Safina Ali (Oct 15 - Feb 16)
- Phoebe Roche (Jun 17 - Jun 18)
- Jag Virk (Jul 18 - Jul 19)
- Akshat Malik (Aug 19 - Oct 20)
- David Allin (Oct 20 - Oct 21)
Fellows' feedback
A summary of final feedback from the five most recent completing fellows providing full feedback:
1. Learning Outcomes
“I achieved all of the learning outcomes as specified in my learning agreement.”
Strongly disagree |
Disagree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Agree | x x x x
Strongly agree | x
2. Service: Training Balance
Please indicate the balance between service and training in your clinical activities:
Mostly service |
More service than training |
About equal | x x
More training than service | x x x
Mostly training |
3. Overall rating
How would you rate the Fellowship post overall, from 1-5? (1=very poor, 5=very good)
1
2
3
4 x x
5 x x x
Would you recommend this post to a colleague?
Yes | x x x x x
No |
Sunderland Otolaryngology Head and Neck Fellowship
Based at: City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Trust
Surgical Specialty Association approving: ENT UK
Approval period: March 2019 – May 2024, subject to monitoring of ST operative availability
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: Mr Francis Stafford, Consultant Otolaryngologist
Fellowship duration: 12-24 months
Stated learning outcomes:
- This post is designed to give newly accredited surgeons an intensive operative and clinical experience to ensure they are fully independent surgically and ready to move from SpR in Otolaryngology to Consultant in Head and Neck Surgery.
- The post is designed to develop expertise in Thyroid, Parathyroid and salivary gland surgery. Also, ensure competency in Trans Oral Robotic and LASER surgery and major Head and Neck resection and reconstructive surgery.
- The post also emphasises the benefits of multidisciplinary working within a fully integrated Head and Neck Unit. ENT and OMF in Sunderland are part of the same directorate and share the same ward, expert nursing, Speech and Swallowing therapists, dieticians and Clinical Nurse Specialists and when necessary, seamless case sharing.
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
- The Fellow will become proficient in LASER resection of laryngeal and tonsil tumours and become confident in Trans Oral Robotic resection of oropharyngeal and base of tongue tumours.
- The Fellow will work with both ENT and OMF consultants during the numerous joint resection and reconstruction procedures carried out in the department and become proficient in assessing and resecting tumours and various reconstructive techniques including Pectoralis Major myocutaneous flaps, supraclavicular pedicled island flap, radial forearm, anterolateral thigh and free jejunal microvascular flaps.
- The Fellow will take responsibility for the day-to-day care of Head and Neck in-patients, supervising and advising ward doctors and trainees.
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
The Supervisor states: “Operatively the fellow will be expected to have carried out at least 20 thyroidectomies, 10 parathyroidectomies and 20 neck dissections, be submitting data to the BAETS national audit and be confident to supervise pre CCT trainees in these procedures.”
Laryngology Fellowships
DMH Laryngology Fellowship, Pune, India
Based at: Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital & Research Centre, Pune, India
Surgical Specialty Association approving: ENT UK
Approval period: Initially approved December 2016; reapproved March 2020 - May 2023; reapproved June 2023 - May 2026
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: Dr Sachin Gandhi, Director, Department of Laryngology, with Dr. Nilanjan Bhowmick, Consultant ENT Surgeon
Fellowship duration: 12 months
Stated learning outcomes:
- The candidate would be able to independently assess any patient with a voice disorder and formulate a treatment protocol.
- The candidate would be able to independently assess any patient of voice disorder and formulate a treatment protocol.
- The candidate would be able to independently assess swallowing disorders and device management plans.
- The candidate would have understood the instrumental practical economical requirements needed to set up a laryngology clinic.
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
- The candidate should be able to perform microlaryngoscopy.
- The candidate should be able to independently perform laser excision of benign vocal cord lesion such as polyps, nodules etc.
- The candidate should independently perform videostroboscopy.
- The candidate should be able to perform endoscopic swallowing examinations.
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
Numbers for fellows to perform individually in 12 months’ training:
- Microlaryngeal Phonosurgery - 10
- Transoral Laser Cordectomy for BAP - 3
- Thyroarytenoid Myoneurectomy - 2
- Papilloma - 2
- Transoral Laser Surgery for Grade-1 & 2 stenosis - 3
- DL Scopy & Biopsy - 5
- DL Scopy with Dilatation - 5
Fellows will be required to complete mandatory interim and final feedback as per RCS monitoring protocol.
GSTT Senior Laryngology Fellowship
Based at: Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London
Surgical Specialty Association approving: ENT UK
Approval period: March 2022 - February 2025
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: Mr Yakubu Karagama, Consultant ENT Surgeon and Laryngologist, with Miss Elfy Chevretton, Consultant ENT Surgeon and Laryngologist
Fellowship duration: 12 months
Stated learning outcomes:
The fellow will have competence in:
- Performing flexible and rigid video laryngoscopy and stroboscopy.
- Understanding acoustic voice assessment and analysis.
- Transnasal oesophagoscopy in office under local anaesthetic.
- Office laser laryngeal procedure.
- Microlaryngeal procedures.
- Panendoscopy.
- Vocal cord injection in the office under local anaesthetic and in the operating room.
- Laryngeal framework surgeries.
- Endoscopic management of laryngeal disorders.
- Neurolaryngology- Laryngeal reinnervation and management of spasmodic dysphonia.
- Management of laryngotracheal stenosis.
- Assessment and management of dysphonia, dysphagia and both acute and chronic airway obstruction.
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
- Clinical assessment of patients presenting with airway, voice and swallowing problems.
- Assessment of patients with compromised airway.
- Investigations and management of patients with airway, voice and swallowing disorders.
- Multidisciplinary teamwork.
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
The main operations the Fellow will be involved in, and the approximate number of these in which the Fellow could expect to be the principal / independent operator (indicated in brackets):
- Microlaryngoscopy and attention to laryngeal lesions (50)
- Panendoscopy (15)
- CO2 Laser cricothyroid myotomy for pharyngeal pouch (8)
- Laryngeal framework surgery- Isshiki type 1 thyroplasty (12)
- Injection laryngoplasty (20)
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation (8)
- Botulinum injections under local and general anaesthesia to the larynx for spasmodic dysphonia (15)
- Botulinum injections under local and general anaesthesia to the pharynx for pharyngeal spasm (10)
- Transnasal oesophagoscopy and balloon dilation in the office (10)
- Laser laryngeal procedures in the office under local anaesthetic (12)
- Endoscopic airway procedures including the use of laser and balloon dilatation (6)
- Microlaryngoscopy and laser division of laryngeal scarring, stenoses and webs with balloon dilation under general anaesthesia (12)
Imperial College Laryngology Fellowship, London
Based at: Charing Cross Hospital & Royal Brompton Hospital, London
Surgical Specialty Association approving: ENT UK
Approval period: Initially approved February 2013; reapproved March 2016; reapproved June 2019 - August 2022; reapproved September 2023 - August 2026
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: Mr Guri Sandhu, Consultant Otolaryngologist, with Mr Chad Al Yaghchi, Consultant Laryngologist
Fellowship duration: 12 months
Stated learning outcomes:
- Competence in rigid, flexible and chip-tip digital stroboscopy.
- Competence in and understanding of acoustic voice analysis.
- Competence in performing rigid and flexible oesophagoscopy and endoscopic biopsies and procedures.
- Competence in microlaryngeal procedures including injection glottoplasty and thyroplasty.
- Assessment and management of neurolaryngological disorders including the use of botox.
- Learn indications for and techniques in open procedures to restore the normal voice.
- Be competent in the endoscopic approach to airway assessment and surgery and post-operative care.
- Competent in the open surgical techniques for laryngotracheal reconstruction assessment and management of dysphagia.
- Laryngeal re-innervation approaches.
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
- Assessment of the voice of patient and multidisciplinary team management.
- Assessment of the airway compromised patient, patient safety and appropriate investigations and treatments.
- Assessment and appropriate investigations and treatment of swallowing problems.
- Team working.
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
Supervisor states: “In this post, the fellow will be expected to perform approximately 600 cases in the 12 months of the Fellowship. Over 50% of the referrals are tertiary.
“In this post, the Fellow will be expected to perform approximately 600 cases in the 12 months of the Fellowship. Over 50% of the referrals are tertiary. It is expected that of the 600 general anaesthesia operations, 200 would be classed as ‘Performed’, i.e. unsupervised. This comprises of routine microlaryngoscopy for benign vocal cord pathologies (cysts, nodules and polyps, dysplasia and papilomatosis etc) including use of the laser and microdebrider. Endoscopic airway procedures to the laser, balloon dilatation and microdebrider. Open procedures include the majority of benign head and neck operations but principally thyroplasties for cord palsies and gender voice change (75 cases per year). Complex airway procedures include tracheal resections and laryngotracheal reconstructions (36 cases/year). There is an ENT daycare procedures room attached to the outpatient clinic. This allows for local anaesthetic outpatient clinics. Procedures include laryngeal biopsies, injection medialisation, Botox injections, Blue laser and KTP clinic based procedures, laryngeal EMG as well as trans-nasal oesophagoscopy. Currently there are 400 daycase laryngeal procedures per year and the fellow will undertake at least 200 per year supervised.”
Fellows will be required to complete the mandatory interim and final feedback as per the Royal College of Surgeons of England monitoring process.
Fellows awarded Fellowship Certificate (dates of Fellowship):
- Jonathan Hughes (Oct 13 - Mar 14)
- Andrew Kinshuck (May 16 - Apr 17)
- Rohan Bidaye (May 18 - May 19)
- Anthony Rotman (May 19 - May 20)
- Gerard Thong (Jun 20 - Oct 21)
Otolaryngology Oncology Fellowships
Guy’s & St Thomas' Advanced Head and Neck Surgical Oncology Fellowship, London
Based at: Guys & St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London
Surgical Specialty Association approving: ENT UK
Approval period: Initially approved February 2013; reapproved July 2017; reapproved June 2021 - May 2024
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: Mr Ricard Simo, Consultant Otorhinolaryngologist, with Mr Richard Oakley, Consultant and Clinical Lead for Head and Neck Surgical Oncology
Fellowship duration: 12 months
Stated learning outcomes:
- To achieve all clinical and surgical skills to become a modern head and neck oncological surgeon.
- To achieve the development of a special interest in Head and Neck Surgery.
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
- To be competent in the evaluation and diagnosis of head and neck cancer patients.
- To be competent in the standard surgical ablative procedures in head and neck cancer.
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
The fellows get three full operating days a week and they will do an average of 150 major head and neck resections a year as a first surgeon.
Fellows awarded Fellowship Certificate (dates of Fellowship):
- Matthew Cronin (May 13 - Jul 14)
- Safina Ali (Jul 14 - Sept 15)
- Kevin Smith (Jul 15 - Jun 16)
- Kenneth Muscat (Jul 16 - Jun 17)
- Aleix Rovira-Casas (Jun 17 - Jun 18)
- Luigi Volpini (Jul 18 - Jul 19)
- Georgios Oikonomou (Jul 19- Jun 20)
- Aina Brunet Garcia (Jul 20 - Aug 21)
Fellows' feedback
A summary of final feedback from the five most recent completing fellows providing full feedback:
1. Learning Outcomes
“I achieved all of the learning outcomes as specified in my learning agreement”
Strongly disagree |
Disagree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Agree | x x
Strongly agree | x x x
2. Service: Training Balance
Please indicate the balance between service and training in your clinical activities:
Mostly service |
More service than training |
About equal | x x
More training than service | x x
Mostly training | x
3. Overall rating
How would you rate the Fellowship post overall, from 1-5? (1=very poor, 5=very good)
1
2
3
4 x
5 x x x x
Would you recommend this post to a colleague?
Yes | x x x x x
No |
HCG Head Neck Surgical Oncology Fellowship
Based at: HealthCare Global Cancer Centre, Bangalore
Surgical Specialty Association approving: ENT UK
Approval period: January 2019 - March 2022; reapproved March 2023 - February 2026
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: Professor Vishal Rao, Head of Department for Head Neck Surgical Oncology
Fellowship duration: 18 months
Stated learning outcomes:
- Clinical head and neck oncology
- Reconstructive surgery
- Training in ancillary specialties
- Cancer prevention and community oncology
- Teaching and Seminars
- Multidisciplinary Tumour Board exposure
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
- Performing office endoscope
- Performing minor procedures such as DL copy and ML copy biopsy
- Performing major surgical procedure neck dissection, mandibulectomy
- Post operative management including rehabilitation
- Planning adjuvant therapies
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
- Diagnostic Endoscopies - 30
- Neck dissections - 35
- Microlaryngoscopy - 30
- Thyroidectomies - 10
- Laryngectomies - 10
- Oral cavity resections - 20
- Complex/recurrent disease - 5
- Local and distant flaps - 10
Fellows awarded Fellowship Certificate (dates of Fellowship):
- Dr Anand Subash (Jan 2018 - Jun 2019)
- Dr Bharghaw Ilapakurty (Sept 18 - Feb 20)
- Dr Nagarajuna Reddy (Sept 18 - Feb 20)
- Dr Joshna B.M. (Sept 19 - Mar 21)
- Dr N Apoorva Reddy (Sept 19 - Mar 21)
Fellows' feedback
A summary of final feedback from the five most recent completing fellows providing full feedback:
1. Learning Outcomes
“I achieved all of the learning outcomes as specified in my learning agreement”
Strongly disagree |
Disagree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Agree | x x
Strongly agree | x x x
2. Service: Training Balance
Please indicate the balance between service and training in your clinical activities:
Mostly service |
More service than training |
About equal | x x x x
More training than service | x
Mostly training |
3. Overall rating
How would you rate the Fellowship post overall, from 1-5? (1=very poor, 5=very good)
1
2
3
4
5 x x x x x
Would you recommend this post to a colleague?
Yes | x x x x x
No |
HCG Bangalore Oral Oncology Surgical Fellowship
Based at: HealthCare Global Cancer Centre, Bangalore
Surgical Specialty Association approving: ENT UK
Approval period: October 2021 - September 2024
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: Professor Vishal Rao, Head of Department for Head Neck Surgical Oncology
Fellowship duration: 18 months
Stated learning outcomes:
At the end of the training period, the candidates are expected to have in-depth knowledge, skills and attitude to take up an academic career in head and neck oncology and leadership positions in the field.
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
- To be competent in the evaluation and diagnosis of oral cancer patients.
- To be competent in the standard surgical ablative procedures for the treatment of oral cancer.
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
- Diagnostic Endoscopies - 30
- Neck dissections - 35
- Laser excisions - 30
- Glossectomies- hemi/partial/total - 20
- Composite resections-mandible/maxilla/buccal mucosa - 20
- Complex/recurrent disease - 5
- Local and distant flaps - 10
Paediatric Otolaryngology Fellowships
Alder Hey Paediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship, Liverpool
Based at: Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool
Surgical Specialty Association approving: ENT UK
Approval period: Initially approved: October 2018; reapproved March 2022 - February 2025
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: Mr Ravi Sharma, Consultant Paediatric Otolaryngologist and Clinical Director for ENT and Audiology, with Miss Sujata De, Consultant Paediatric ENT Surgeon and Craniofacial Lead
Fellowship duration: 12 months
Stated learning outcomes:
- Develop skills and knowledge in complex tertiary level paediatric otolaryngology.
- Develop experience in complex paediatric airway, otology and head and neck surgery.
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
- To attend and manage patients in multidisciplinary subspecialty clinics under consultant supervision (Down’s clinic, craniofacial clinic, cleft clinic, complex breathlessness clinic, complex airways clinic).
- To perform approximately 400 cases in the 12 months of the Fellowship. It is expected that of these 400 operations, 300 would be classed as ‘Performed’, i.e. unsupervised. This comprises of routine ear, nose and throat surgery such as coblation adenotonsillectomy (150 cases/year) and grommets (30 cases/year), and more complex tertiary level paediatric ENT surgery.
- To supervise junior specialty trainees on the regional rotation undertaking surgery commensurate to their level of training.
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
Supervisor states: "In this post, the fellow will be expected to perform approximately 400 cases in the 12 months of the Fellowship. It is expected that of these 400 operations, 300 would be classed as ‘Performed’, i.e. unsupervised."
This comprises:
- Routine ear, nose and throat surgery: coblation adenotonsillectomy (150 cases/year) and grommets (30 cases/year).
- Emergency procedures: removal of foreign body in aerodigestive tract, post tonsillectomy bleed, drainage of neck abscess, approximately 30 cases/year.
Complex tertiary level paediatric ENT surgery:
- Middle ear procedures: approximately 35 per year, including endoscopic tympanoplasty and tympanomastoid surgery.
- Paediatric rhinology procedures: approximately 20 cases per year, including balloon sinuplasty, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, choanal atresia repair.
- Paediatric airway: over 50 cases per year microlaryngotracheobronchoscopies (MLTBs) during the Fellowship year, of which 80% will be ‘Performed’ or ‘Supervisor Unscrubbed’. They will also be expected to perform approximately 5 paediatric tracheostomies, of which 50% will be ‘Performed’ or ‘Supervisor Unscrubbed’
In addition, there will be an opportunity to undertake more uncommon complex paediatric procedures including BAHA surgery, anterior skull base surgeries – (CSF leak repairs/ Pituitary tumours/ Juvenile Angiofibroma) and head and neck reconstructive procedures such as complex laryngotracheal surgery, trachea-cutaneous fistula closure, Sialendoscopy, branchial anomaly surgery).
Fellows awarded Fellowship Certificate (dates of Fellowship):
- Grace Khong (Aug 18 - Aug 19)
- Smadar Atsmoni (Jul 20 - Jul 21)
- Dillan Shetty (Aug 21 - Jul 22)
Rhinology Fellowships
Charing Cross and Royal Brompton Rhinology Fellowship, London
Based at: Charing Cross Hospital & Royal Brompton Hospital, London
Surgical Specialty Association approving: ENT UK
Approval period: Initially approved October 2013; reapproved July 2017; reapproved April 2021 - March 2024
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: Prof Hesham Saleh, Consultant Rhinologist and Professor of Practice in Rhinology, with Miss Cath Rennie and Mr Mark Ferguson, Consultant ENT Surgeons
Fellowship duration: 12 months
Stated learning outcomes:
- Knowledge: competent in managing complex Rhinology cases in outpatient setting
- Practical: competent to operate independently
- Minimum of 50 rhinoplasties
- Minimum of 50 rhinology cases
- Minimum of 20 anterior skullbase surgery cases (optional, according to the Fellow's interests)
- Personal & professional skills: work effectively within a clinical team
- Personal & professional skills: participate in clinical governance and audit within the departments
- Minimum of one complete audit
- Minimum of four presentations
- Minimum of four publications in peer reviewed journals.
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
- Competence in managing Rhinology patients within the outpatient setting
- To operate independently
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
See Learning Outcomes above
Fellows awarded Fellowship Certificate (dates of Fellowship):
- Matthew Magarey (Aug 13 - Mar 14)
- Catherine Rennie (Nov 16 - Nov 17)
- Mark Ferguson (Oct 18 - Sept 19)
- Samit Unadkat (Oct 19 - Sept 20)
Fellows' feedback
A summary of final feedback from the five most recent completing Fellows providing full feedback
1. Learning Outcomes
“I achieved all of the learning outcomes as specified in my learning agreement”
Strongly disagree |
Disagree |
Neither agree nor disagree | x x
Agree | x
Strongly agree | x x
2. Service: Training Balance
Please indicate the balance between service and training in your clinical activities:
Mostly service |
More service than training | x
About equal | x x
More training than service | x
Mostly training | x
3. Overall rating
How would you rate the Fellowship post overall, from 1-5? (1=very poor, 5=very good)
1
2
3
4 x x
5 x x x
Would you recommend this post to a colleague?
Yes | x x x x x
No |
Liverpool Rhinology Fellowship
Based at: Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Surgical Specialty Association approving: ENT UK
Approval period: July 2016 - June 2019; reapproved September 2019 - November 2022; reapproved December 2022 - November 2025
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: Mr Samuel Leong, Consultant ENT Surgeon, with Mr Omar Ayoub, Consultant ENT Surgeon
Fellowship duration: 12 months
Stated learning outcomes:
- To competently manage patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and other sinonasal conditions.
- To be able to independently undertake a variety of surgical procedures specific to rhinology including endoscopic sinus surgery, septoplasty and management of the hypertrophic inferior turbinate.
- To be able to assess patients who require rhinoplasty and formulate appropriate surgical plans.
- To gain exposure and experience to the anterior skull base and extended endoscopic anterior skull base surgery.
- To be competent in the use of image guidance systems and understand the role of this technology in surgical rhinology.
- To appreciate the role of a facial plastic surgeon within a skull base team in the management of facial paralysis.
- To share responsibility for the ORL-HNS service with the other Registrars/ Specialty Doctors supported by the Consultants.
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
- Ability to diagnose, manage and counsel patients with rhinological conditions.
- Undertake sinus, septal and nasal surgery as an independent clinician.
- Ability to recognise complications of rhinological conditions and iatrogenic surgical complications, and undertake necessary management including onward referral.
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
Over a 12-month period: supervised | performed
- Septoplasty: 20 | 35
- Turbinate reduction (endoscopic): 15 | 45
- FESS: 35 | 40
- Septorhinoplasty: 10 | 10
- Frontal sinus surgery (Draf 2, 3): 6 | 6
- Resection of nasal tumour (endoscopic): 15 | 20
- CSF leak repair: 3 | 3
Fellows awarded Fellowship Certificate (dates of Fellowship):
- Grace Khong (Aug 17 - Jul 18)
- Gaurav Shankar Medikeri (Aug 18 - Aug 19)
- Richard Green (Aug 19 - Mar 20)
Fellows' feedback
A summary of final feedback from the three most recent completing Fellows
1. Learning Outcomes
“I achieved all of the learning outcomes as specified in my learning agreement”
Strongly disagree |
Disagree |
Neither agree nor disagree |
Agree |
Strongly agree | x x x
2. Service: Training Balance
Please indicate the balance between service and training in your clinical activities:
Mostly service |
More service than training |
About equal |
More training than service | x x
Mostly training | x
3. Overall rating
How would you rate the Fellowship post overall, from 1-5? (1=very poor, 5=very good)
1
2
3
4 x
5 x x
Would you recommend this post to a colleague?
Yes | x x x
No |
Thyroid & Parathyroid Fellowships
Birmingham Thyroid Fellowship
Based at: University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Surgical Specialty Association approving: ENT UK
Approval period: June 2021 - May 2024
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: Mr Mriganka De, Head Neck Consultant, Deputy Clinical Service Lead at the Trust
Fellowship duration: 12 months
Stated learning outcomes:
- Able to diagnose and treat common thyroid and parathyroid related conditions
- Able to perform independent thyroid and parathyroid surgery
- Completion of relevant research projects
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
- Able to diagnose and manage patients with surgical thyroid disorders in the clinic
- Contribute to the discussion of the cases in the Thyroid MDT
- Perform routine thyroid surgeries independently
- Able to tackle common post-operative complications after thyroid procedures
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
- Hemi / Total thyroidectomy – 50 as a Primary surgeon
- Neck dissection – 10 as a Primary surgeon
- Parathyroidectomies – 10 as a primary surgeon
Fellows awarded Fellowship Certificate (dates of Fellowship):
- Rohan Bidaye (Jul 20 - Jul 21)
Lister Post CCT Thyroid and Parathyroid Fellowship
Based at: Lister Hospital, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
Surgical Specialty Association approving: ENT UK
Approval period: Initially approved December 2022 – November 2025
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: Mr George Mochloulis, Consultant Otolaryngologist, Head and Neck Surgeon at Lister Hospital, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
Fellowship duration: 12 months
Stated learning outcomes:
- Able to manage common thyroid and parathyroid diseases.
- Able to perform thyroid and parathyroid operations competently.
- Involvement in relevant research projects.
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
- Competent in performing thyroid/ parathyroid surgery independently.
- Able to diagnose and manage common thyroid and parathyroid conditions.
- Able to perform thyroid and parathyroid operations (with minimal assistance).
- Competent communicator both with staff and patients, including breaking bad news.
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
- 12 thyroidectomies (of which 100 as first surgeon)
- 20 parathyroidectomies/ 4 gland explorations (of which 15 as first surgeon)
- 40 neck dissections (of which 30 as first surgeon)
Fellows will be required to complete mandatory interim and final feedback as per RCS monitoring protocol.
Thyroid and Parathyroid Fellowship, Reading
Based at: Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Reading
Surgical Specialty Association approving: ENT UK
Approval period: First approved July 2018; reapproved October 2021 - September 2024
Supervisor / Lead Consultant: Mr Rogan Corbridge, Consultant ENT Surgeon, with Mr Sidhartha Nagala, Consultant ENT Surgeon
Fellowship duration: 12 months
Stated learning outcomes:
- Able to diagnose and treat common thyroid and parathyroid related conditions.
- Able to perform thyroid and parathyroid operations (with minimal assistance).
- Involvement in and/or completion of relevant research projects.
Clinical competencies to be achieved:
- Ability to diagnose common thyroid and parathyroid conditions.
- Able to perform thyroid and parathyroid operations (with minimal assistance).
- Demonstrate communication skills with staff and patients including breaking bad news.
Number of main operations the fellow could expect to be involved in:
Supervisor: 'As a primary operating surgeon we would expect the fellow to perform a minimum of 50 operations. This would be broken down into 40 thyroid and 10 parathyroid operations.'
Fellows awarded Fellowship Certificate (dates of Fellowship):
- Dilip Nair (Oct 2018 - Nov 2019)
- Shivanthi Kandiah (Jan 20 - Jan 21)
Comments from recent Fellows
Raj Lakshmi Pandey
HCG Bangalore Oral Oncology Fellowship, HCG Hospitals, Bangalore, October 2021 - February 2023.
Current post: Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon, Devkamal Hospital and Research Centre, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India.
"This fellowship programme at HCG Bangalore is highly structured and built towards providing its fellows with clinical and academic insight towards the end of the 18-month course. I was privileged to be a part of this system that provided me with continual surgical learning along with ample research opportunities. Management of emergency situations, perioperative management of complex cases and exposure to the entire spectrum of Head and Neck oncology has rendered me immense confidence. Under the tutelage of Dr. Vishal Rao, Dr Shalini Thakur and Dr Anand Subhash and the multidisciplinary nature of the hospital I was able to establish a more holistic approach towards high level patient care and management by inculcating innovative thinking. The exposure to innovative adjunct technologies and the use of the Da Vinci Robotic system leant a futuristic approach to our training. I am also immensely grateful to my colleagues Dr Radhika, Dr Harsh and Dr Sanah in helping me grow both professionally and personally. I leave this fellowship in a very confident headspace armed with the knowledge and expertise to take on all aspects of Head and Neck Oncology in my own sphere."
Darshil Asit Vaishnav
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DMH Laryngology Fellowship, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune, India, April 2022 - April 2023.
Current post: Junior Consultant
Sanah Tazeen
HCG Bangalore Oral Oncology Fellowship, HCG Hospitals, Bangalore, September 2021 - April 2023.
I am privileged to have been trained under Dr. Vishal Rao, who has constantly encouraged us to think outside the box. This fellowship training has instilled the confidence in me to perform surgeries independently and has enhanced my technical and communication skills. A special mention to my mentors Dr. Shalini Thakur and Dr. Anand Subash who have prepared me to face all the challenges fearlessly. I am extremely grateful to my colleagues, Dr. Harsh, Dr. Raj Lakshmi, and Dr. Radhika for making this learning experience cherishable".
Radhika V Lal
HCG Bangalore Head and Neck Surgical Oncology Fellowship, HCG Hospitals, Bengaluru, September 2021 - April 2023.
Current post: Junior Consultant, HCG Mumbai, India.
“I am extremely privileged to have had the opportunity to train and complete the RCS Fellowship under Dr Vishal Rao US at HCG Bangalore. The training provided has ensures that the quality of care provided to patients is top notch. The vast opportunities both clinically and academically have proven to refine my skills and also enhance techniques in research methodology, teaching and communication skills. The training also gives great exposure to robotic surgeries along with reconstructive surgeries of various categories. The weekly MDTs and the rehabilitative clinics ensure that an evidence-based approach to cases becomes a part of surgical plans and post op care. This fellowship would not have been possible without the support of Dr Shalini Thakur and Dr Anand Subash who mentored us with great patience. This training would not have been a smooth sail without the support and encourage of my colleagues Dr Raj Lakshmi , Dr Harsh and Dr Sanah.”
Harsh Suri
HCG Bangalore Head and Neck Surgical Oncology Fellowship, HCG Hospitals, Bengaluru, September 2021 - April 2023.
Current post: Assistant Professor ENT, Consultant Head - Neck Surgical Oncologist K.S. Hegde Medical Academy, Mangalore.
“I feel extremely fortunate to have completed my training in Head and Neck surgical Oncology under the guidance of Dr Vishal Rao at HCG, Bangalore. My training included extensive Hands-on surgical practice, decision making, multidisciplinary-team approach, managing tumour boards and research activities. Being part of this unique Head Neck Unit has allowed me to expand my expertise in oncology and to become a better clinician and the capability to manage a wide variety of cases. This fellowship gave me an advanced training in Transoral Laser Surgeries, Robotic surgeries and complex reconstructive surgeries. A special mention to Dr.Shalini Thakur & Dr.Anand Subash who were very kind in teaching and sharing their experiences through this programme and guiding us with research and publications . This superlative training has given me utmost confidence to transition from a fellow to a consultant. I am immensely grateful to my co fellows for their support and encouragement through this special learning experience.”
Koka Madhav
DMH Laryngology Fellowship, DMH Centre Deenanath Mangeshkar hospital, Pune, India, April 2022 – March 2023
Current post: Consultant, Voice, Airway and swallowing clinic, ENT Department, Apollo Hospital, Jubilee hills, Hyderabad.
“One year fellowship in laryngology has given a lot of insight into Voice airway and swallowing. It has been exceptional in all fields of training, research activities, and the work environment. Dr Sachin Gandhi and Dr Bhowmick Nilanjan have created a zeal within us to carry forward the training and establish a specialty clinic at our centre. The vast work load and hands-on experience that we get during training at this hospital cannot be matched. Deenanath hospital has a good setup of Neonatal ICU, Paediatric ICU which enables us to handle neonatal and paediatric airway emergencies. Speech language pathologist, Mrs Vrushali Desai and Mr Govind Rajyopadhaye were exceptional in their field and have taught us at every step of the fellowship. The teaching sessions on Voice and swallowing therapy has given us a wholesome training. Overall fellowship training has given us good knowledge on the subject and confidence to handle patients in our future practice.”
Mahmoud Elsayed
Thyroid and Parathyroid Fellowship, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Reading, Jan 2022 - Jan 2023.
Dafna Bracha Gershnabel Milk
Liverpool Rhinology Fellowship, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - Liverpool, August 2022 - August 2022
Current post: ORL-HNS Specialist and Rhinologist, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel.
"The Liverpool Rhinology Fellowship is a well-structured, varied, and busy fellowship, and I feel honored and privileged to be one of its graduating fellows. During my fellowship, there was a good balance between ward duties, clinic, and theatre time. As part of my work in this big, tertiary care center, I was exposed to a high number of patients with a wide variety of advanced rhinologic problems that required a multidisciplinary approach. I was encouraged to gain independence in their management and treatment. The fellowship's supervisors were very supportive and accessible and gave me plenty of academic, teaching, and research opportunities. I highly recommend this fellowship for ENT surgeons who wish to become rhinologists."
Anu Joy
HCG Bangalore Oral Oncology Surgical Fellowship, HealthCare Global Enterprises Cancer Centre, Bangalore, India, October 2020- March 2022.
Current post: Consultant ENT , Head and Neck Surgeon , Rangadore Memorial Hospital, Bangalore, India.
I cannot speak highly enough about the fellowship training experience at HCG. This program provided specific training on all aspects of management of head and neck cancers , proving to be a beacon for struggling surgeons to ease into independent practice. The fellowship pairs structured surgical training with comprehensive academic experience and numerous research opportunities. Our weekly Multidisciplinary discussions would most importantly focus on evidence based management strategies and we were able to develop an environment of collaboration across departments, providing a more holistic approach in patient care. I am honored to have worked with our lead mentor Dr Vishal Rao along with other exemplary consultants Dr Akshay K, Dr Shalini and Dr Anand. I am immensely grateful to my co-fellows who were always encouraging and invaluable to my personal as well as professional development .Graduating from the program, I am now more confident to face challenges and complexities in head and neck cancer.
Yash Merchant
HCG Bangalore Oral Oncology Surgical Fellowship, Health Care Global (HCG) Cancer Centre Bangalore, India, September 2019 - March 2022.
Current appointment: Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon, MMFs Ratna Memorial and Joshi Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
"The fellowship has helped my clinical skills in oncology with a focus on evidence-based decision-making. Working at a high-volume centre of excellence has ensured that I received adequate exposure to the entire spectrum of Head and Neck Oncology. The fellowship entailed balancing clinical responsibilities and patient care with translatory research. With the support of the programme director and my colleagues, I published over 15 papers in peer-reviewed International Journals during my tenure. The academic programme entailed active participation in Tumour Boards, multidisciplinary clinics, mortality meets, and a weekly academic session. I served as Chair – Rehabilitation Head and Neck Oncology where eight different teams (including speech-language pathology, clinical nutrition, and physiotherapy) would meet weekly and discuss how best we could achieve comprehensive rehabilitation of difficult patients. We also get certified by Intuitive Surgical in the pre-clinical robotic modules of the Da Vinci console as part of the curriculum. The superlative training ensured a swift transition from fellow to consultant in corporate private practice."
Fariyal Al-Balushi
Senior Clinical Fellowship Laryngology - Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital (DMH) and Research Centre, Pune, India - January 2021 – March 2022.
"The fellowship training program was well structured and balanced between clinical and academic training. The direct one-to-one training by Dr Sachin Gandhi in the clinic, the theatre and classes with timely feedback make this fellowship one of its kind. Clinically, the volume of patients, the surgical opportunities under direct supervision with graded progress in steps and surgeries and OPD based procedures were outstanding despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The 1st hand training by the speech and language pathology consultants: Mrs Vrushali Desai and Mr Govind Rajopadhye enhanced the training experience and the understanding of holistic patient care rather than surgical oriented practice. Academically, the simulation of the clinical curiosity and encouragement of research by Dr Sachin was also remarkable. I was able to develop research projects, publish articles and present my work in a larger laryngology community which awarded me two Junior B.M Aboral Junior Consultant Award for best paper in two consecutive years. After completing my fellowship, I was able to start my laryngology practice with confidence. I have started a laryngology service in my current government-affiliated hospital providing care to a scope of patients who were usually referred to other centres. While challenges emerge, this fellowship program prepared me well to accept challenges, and to be a laryngology patient’s advocate to promote the scope of this specialty."
Indu VP
HCG Bangalore Head and Neck Surgical Oncology Fellowship, HealthCare Global Enterprises Cancer Centre, Bangalore, India, October 2020- February 2022
Current post: Specialist in ENT and Head and Neck surgery Aster Mother Hospital, Areakode, Kerala, India
" I'm extremely privileged to have the opportunity of completing the RCS Senior clinical Fellowship in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology at HCG cancer centre under the mentorship of Dr Vishal Rao U S. The training at HCG helped me to expand my expertise not only regarding head and neck cancer surgery but also on different treatment decisions, emergency management system, the importance of communication skills, teaching and research methodology. The experience I gained helped me to become a better clinician and refine my surgical skills to manage different head and neck oncology cases confidently. Fellowship gave me a chance to work with Trans oral laser surgery, robotic assisted surgeries and various flaps and reconstructive options. Rehabilitative services (includes speech and swallowing, nutrition, pain management, psych oncology, physiotherapy departments) especially the use of voice prosthesis after laryngectomy at this centre require a special mention."
Bhanu Prakash Bylapudi
HCG Bangalore Oral Oncology Surgical Fellowship, HealthCare Global Enterprises Cancer Centre, Bangalore, India, September 2020- May 2022
Current post (Dec 2022): Senior Resident, Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Visakhapatnam ( A Unit of Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai ), India.
" The fellowship at HealthCare Global under the supervision of Prof. Vishal Rao gave me ample opportunity to enhance my surgical skills, as well as aid my evidence-based treatment and reconstructive surgery planning in a variety of complex oral cancer patients. The weekly MDT at HealthCare Global is an excellent learning forum where complex head and neck cancer cases are discussed. By the end of the Fellowship, I felt confident to independently perform a wide variety of head and neck surgical procedures. The level of collegiality at HealthCare Global and the excellent mentorship of Prof. Vishal Rao provided the perfect learning environment to develop skills in Oncology. There were plenty of opportunities for academic and research activities which I fully benefitted from, and I published my research papers in Indexed Journals. Throughout the Fellowship, I gained practical experience with head and neck malignancies and robotic surgeries operating through expert guidance and assistance."
Puneet PJ
Senior Clinical Fellowship in Laryngology - Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India - January 2021 to March 2022.
Current post: Consultant KLE's Suchirayu Hospital, Hubli, Karnataka, India
"I was privileged to work in the laryngology clinic under Dr Sachin Gandhi. I was offered exceptionally high quality training and support. I had the opportunity to perform more than 100 various and complex laryngology operative procedures. I was exposed to various diagnostic modalities in the field of laryngology and swallowing which made me confident to start my own laryngology clinic. I was privileged to present my work in the field of laryngology as a fellow at various national and international laryngology conferences. I was also privileged to publish 2 of my manuscripts in reputed journals as a fellow. This fellowship has prepared me well to deliver the best patient care in the field of laryngology."
Grace Khong
Alder Hey Paediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, August 2018 - August 2019
Current post (January 2022): Locum Consultant Paediatric Otolaryngologist, Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool
"During my fellowship at Alder Hey Hospital, I was able to further develop my clinical and surgical skills in advanced paediatric ENT. Being a tertiary level paediatric hospital, there was excellent exposure at Alder Hey Hospital to a multidisciplinary team approach; craniofacial (supra regional service), advanced otology for example microtia clinics and complex breathlessness clinics, and including emergency and intensive care. In addition to complex paediatric airway surgeries, my background in Rhinology enabled me to further expand my skills in paediatric Rhinology and skull base surgeries, for example, endoscopic CSF leaks, pituitary surgeries, endoscopic DCRs, excision of nasal tumours and endoscopic choanal atresia repair. The anterior skull base surgery unit has input from Neurosurgeons, adult ENT surgeons and interventional radiologists. During my time at Alder Hey Hospital, I received the North of England ENT Society Training and Innovation Prize for the development of a 3D printed sinus model, presented 3 papers at national conferences (British Association of Paediatric Otolaryngologists, Joint Scotland and North of England Otolaryngology meeting) with publications in peer reviewed journals. The fellowship has greatly influenced my career path so that I can confidently practise as an independent paediatric ENT surgeon. Following the completion of my fellowship, I have been appointed as Locum Consultant Paediatric Otolaryngologist at Alder Hey Hospital."
Aina Brunet Garcia
Guy's Advanced Head and Neck Surgical Oncology Fellowship, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, July 2020 - September 2021
Current post (January 2022): Consultant Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgeon, Bellvitge University Hospital, Barcelona
"During the 12-month advanced head and neck surgical oncology fellowship at Guy’s Hospital, you have the opportunity to achieve a vast amount of experience in Head and Neck Surgery, working with both the Maxillofacial and ENT Head and Neck teams. It includes extensive surgical practice, working with internationally recognised dedicated Head and Neck surgeons. Being part of this unique multidisciplinary Head and Neck unit has allowed me to expand my expertise not only regarding surgery but also treatment decisions, communication skills, teaching and research. This is accomplished through constant support from the fellowship supervisor and all the members of the unit. The Guy’s fellowship improved my skills in such a way that I am now in a position to feel confident to work as a consultant in a high level head and neck oncology unit in a tertiary centre, and to provide the best care to our patients."
Smadar Cohen Atsmoni
Alder Hey Paediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, August 2020 - August 2021
Current post (October 2021): Paediatric ENT Senior Clinical Fellow - Head & Neck and Airway, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital
"The Pediatric ENT fellowship in Alder Hey NHS foundation trust was a meaningful experience and a milestone in my medical career. During the fellowship, I was involved in over 400 operations. These included laryngotracheal reconstructions, excision of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, and anterior skull base surgery, besides the routine Pediatric ENT operations. I had a wide experience in specialty clinics including Craniofacial, complex airway and Down’s syndrome clinic. The experience I gained helped me become a better clinician, refine my surgical skills and manage complicated pediatric patients confidently."
Rohan Bidaye
Birmingham Thyroid Fellowship, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, July 2020 - July 2021
Current post (October 2021): Head Neck Fellow, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
"The fellowship provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience in Thyroid surgeries. The programme is well structured, which trains you to be independent in managing all aspects of Thyroid and Parathyroid disorders. The trainers have an active interest in Academics and Research. The fellowship has helped me secure a consultant role at the Northampton University Hospitals as a Thyroid specialist. I am confident that I will use the experience gained through the fellowship in my future practice. I highly recommend this post for Otolaryngologists who wish to practice as Thyroid surgeons."
Dr N Apoorva Reddy
Senior Clinical Fellowship in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, HealthCare Global Enterprises Cancer Centre, Bangalore, India, September 2019 - March 2021
Current post (July 2021): Consultant ENT Head and Neck Surgeon, Kamineni hospital, Hyderabad, India
"The specialist training that I have received through this fellowship has significantly enhanced my ability to provide a high level of care to my patients. Clinical opportunities in terms of performing procedures, surgeries and managing emergencies were plenty. The workload has meant a continual refinement of my clinical skills and enhanced my ability to operate synergistically in an environment requiring teamwork. The schematic academic program coupled with weekly interaction with professors and fellow students has evoked interest in the research aspects of this branch. From the beginning of the fellowship program, there was ample opportunity to explore ideas under the excellent mentorship of Prof Vishal Rao. Our training gave us a good insight into robotic head and neck surgeries, multidisciplinary treatment and rehabilitation aspects of cancer management, which forms a crucial part of head and neck oncosurgery. Carrying out my fellowship in this institute ensured that I received structured training in a congenial atmosphere, thus helping me achieve better clinical, analytical and decision-making skills."